The forging process was long, and the heat inside the workshop was unbearable. Rowe couldn't stand it any longer and decided to step outside, finding a seat near the entrance while waiting.
Brunnok, who had also stepped out for a break, studied him for a moment before speaking. "Are you planning to join the Boy Scouts?"
Rowe shook his head. "No, I'm training to become a military healer."
Brunnok looked surprised. "A healer? That warhammer design of yours looks far superior to the standard weapons issued to warriors. You went through all this trouble to forge such a weapon… just to be a healer?"
Rowe hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Well… I do want to be a warrior too, but I'm not old enough yet. I also lack the strength and size to be effective in battle." He glanced at Brunnok's broad frame and sighed. "If only I were as strong as you."
Brunnok was silent for a moment before replying, "I envy you. At least your parents support your choices unconditionally. I've always wanted to be a warrior, but my father refuses to allow it."
His voice carried frustration as he continued, "I don't enjoy blacksmithing. That forge is stifling, and the work feels repetitive. I don't understand how they can stay in there all day, hammering away."
Rowe offered a polite smile but chose not to comment.
Brunnok changed the subject. "So, your plan is to enter the army as a healer and use the warhammer—what did you call it? Verrigan's Fist—to fight?"
"Uh, maybe," Rowe admitted. "But I'll be careful."
Brunnok grinned. "That actually sounds exciting!"
Rowe: "…"
A short silence passed before Brunnok spoke again. "By the way, do you need armor?"
Rowe blinked, then nodded. "Yeah, I think I do."
"Come with me." Brunnok gestured toward the section of the shop where various pieces of armor and shields were displayed. He pointed to a set of full-body armor. "I've always wanted to wear something like this."
Rowe barely gave the heavy armor a glance before focusing on the lighter ones. Full-body armor would be too restrictive for his movements.
"Can I try some of these on?"
"Of course."
Rowe picked out a light armor made from a combination of leather and bronze, slipping it on before pacing around the shop.
Brunnok studied him for a moment before commenting, "It's too big."
Rowe sighed. He had the same feeling. Even after trying on another set, the results weren't much better. After swapping through several pieces, it became clear that there wasn't a set specifically tailored for someone of his build.
Just as Rowe was about to give up, Brunnok rummaged through the inventory and pulled out a different piece of armor. It was an inner armor woven from Asgardian bronze silk. "Try this one."
Rowe took it and put it on. To his surprise, it fit well.
"How does it feel?" Brunnok asked.
"Not bad. I'll take this one," Rowe decided.
The price, however, was a bit steep. This inner armor was intricately crafted, taking considerable time and skill to weave. Though it was lightweight, the craftsmanship made it expensive. Rowe ended up paying fifteen runes for it.
The clanging of hammers still echoed from the forge, and as they waited, Rowe and Brunnok continued talking.
Despite his initially quiet demeanor, Brunnok turned out to be quite talkative. He had a particular fascination with stories of battles and great warriors.
"Have you heard of Iron Scarborough?" Brunnok asked at one point.
Rowe frowned. "Iron Scarborough?"
Brunnok nodded enthusiastically. "It's a powerful metal, known as the iron that breeds flames. It comes from Muspelheim and is one of the greatest treasures of the fire giant Surtur."
Rowe's interest was piqued.
Brunnok continued, "I once had a dream where I defeated Surtur and forged a weapon using Iron Scarborough."
Rowe chuckled.
The mention of Surtur made him wonder—if the flame giant was at his peak, how would he compare to Ragnaros, the Firelord from World of Warcraft? The two beings shared many similarities in appearance, stature, and even their dominion over flames. The thought amused him—who would be stronger?
The conversation carried on as the sky began to darken.
Then, a sudden voice boomed from the forge.
"Haha! It's done!" Hadier's cheerful voice rang out.
Rowe's heart leaped. Without wasting a second, he rushed into the forge.
Inside, Hadier grinned as he held up a brand-new silver warhammer. "Here it is—your Fist of Verrigan."
Rowe took the weapon from him, gripping the handle. It was heavy, the silver surface gleaming, adorned with the golden flame patterns he had requested. The craftsmanship was exceptional, matching the traditional aesthetic of the paladins.
He gave the warhammer a few test swings. Since he had requested a smaller size, he estimated that it weighed around 20 pounds, which was perfectly manageable for him.
To an ordinary human, this weight would be unwieldy. Wielding it effectively in battle would be nearly impossible. But for an Asgardian, 20 pounds was considered light, making it ideal for Rowe's current physique.
Hadier nodded approvingly. "Though it has no enchantments yet, this warhammer is already superior to standard-issue military weapons. If enchanted properly, it could become a masterpiece."
His assistant added, "You should consider getting it enchanted by a professional magician or a shop—like Norvi Magic."
Rowe smiled but shook his head. "Thank you, but I already have my own method."
Enchantment services were expensive, and Rowe wasn't willing to spend extra money at a shop when he had a more cost-effective alternative.
Leaving Hadier's Blacksmith Shop, Rowe eagerly opened his Sanctuary, placing the Fist of Verrigan on the blueprint for appraisal.
[Completion: Excellent]
[Item Level: 3]
Rowe wasn't surprised. The substitute materials had high compatibility—one at 77%, the other at 105%. The final weapon being excellent was expected.
With that confirmed, it was time to enchant the weapon.
Flipping to the [Enchant Fire Weapon] page, Rowe examined the design. The enchantment consisted of a simple circular pattern, with a flickering flame symbol in the center.
Placing the Fist of Verrigan onto the pattern, Rowe focused his mind, activating the power of the Holy Pact.
Enchant Fire Weapon!
The Sanctuary's glow intensified, and the flame symbol came to life, transforming into real fire that wrapped around the warhammer.
The flames danced, layering over the weapon in waves before slowly merging into the metal.
Within moments, the fire vanished.
Rowe picked up the warhammer again.
According to the enchantment's description, the flame effect wouldn't be visible unless the weapon was actively used in combat. At rest, it appeared as an ordinary silver warhammer.
Before testing it, he decided to appraise the weapon once more. He placed it back on the blueprint.
[Completion: Excellent]
[Item Level: 4]
The enchantment had successfully boosted the weapon's power.
Rowe's grip tightened around the handle. His new weapon was ready for battle.